Western Force’s Marcel Brache relishing shift into the centres

Marcel Brache arrived at the Western Force four years ago as a winger but the US international slipped seamlessly into the outside centre role in World Series Rugby.

He held onto the spot in the Force’s opening NRC match, the 47-29 win over Brisbane City, and will again pull on the No.13 jumper in Sunday afternoon’s clash with NSW Country Eagles at UWA Sports Park.

And it will be a traditional black and gold jumper, maintaining the tradition of the state colours worn by Perth Spirit in previous NRC competitions.

Outside centre is the hardest position to defend but Brache has two good teachers: defence coach, former Springbok Jaque Fourie who is still regarded as one of the best ever defensive centres, and Samoan international George Pisi.

“The chance to play at 13 is one I relish. I’m loving my time in the midfield where there is a lot of traffic and decision making,” Brache said.

“Having Jaque Fourie whispering wisdom in your ear certainly helps and George Pisi, with amazing experience, has been applying knowledge during training. That creates that bit of confidence you need, that you can do the job.”

Brache said the side had taken confidence from the first round win, particularly leading at the break after soaking up long periods of pressure.

“That’s the sign of a team that’s continuing to grow....that you can absorb a lot of pressure and when you need to apply your pressure you do it clinically,” he said.

Fijian flyer Masivesi Dakuwaqa makes his long awaited return for Sunday's clash after recovering from bad hamstring damage, replacing Clay Uyen who also has a slight hamstring problem.

Coach Tim Sampson has brought experienced tighthead Kieran Longbottom into the starting side for the first time while hooker Heath Tessmann comes onto the bench replacing Feleti Kaitu’u, scorer of two tries in last weekend's win over Brisbane, who has a slight hamstring problem.